US Army Authorizes New Combat Patches for Operation Epic Fury

Share this link on Facebook

Share this page on X (Twitter)

Share this link on LinkedIn

Share this page on Reddit

Email a link to this page

The US Army has a long history of combat patches, but restrictions on their use have somewhat loosened—partially in recognition that the “battlefield” is far broader today than ever before.

The United States Army doesn’t have boots on the ground in Iran—at least not yet—but soldiers deployed to the region can now wear new combat patches indicating their involvement in Operation Epic Fury.

Last summer, shortly after Operation Midnight Hammer, the Army announced that soldiers “deployed to select countries” would be eligible to wear a “combat patch,” intended to acknowledge the risks they face in the Middle East in the post-October 7 period. The patch was specific to countries in the US Central Command and US Africa Command.

Combat Patches Explained

Officially known as Shoulder Sleeve Insignia—Former Wartime Service (SSI-FWTS), combat patches have been in use since 1945, and were introduced to recognize individuals who have participated in combat operations. Since that time, the patches have been worn on the right sleeve of a soldier’s uniform and signify that the individual has been deployed to a war zone.

The update won’t impact or affect the other insignia worn by soldiers. Current unit insignia will continue to be worn on the left sleeve, and in some cases, soldiers may wear a deployed unit’s insignia on their right sleeve to honor that service.

Unlike some insignia, notably the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB) or Combat Action Badge (CAB), a combat patch does not require direct engagement with enemy forces. Instead, it is issued to those deployed to the region, and is meant to recognize service in a dangerous environment.

“Awarding the combat patch reflects the Army’s commitment to recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of all Soldiers serving in these operational environments,” the Army had explained last summer.

The growing prevalence of combat patches may reflect “a broader shift in how the Army recognizes deployments in environments that carry real risk but do not fit neatly into traditional definitions of combat,” according to Military.com.

Just last month, the US Army approved a new policy allowing soldiers supporting Operation Epic Fury to wear combat patches. A copy of the memo, signed by then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George, was posted on Reddit.

The “Authorization to wear shoulder sleeve insignia—military operations in hostile conditions (SSI-MOHC)” stated that “Soldiers assigned or attached to units supporting military operations while deployed” would be authorized to wear the SSI-MOHC. As with last year’s combat patch update, this also would apply to active-duty soldiers, the National Guard, and the Reserve.

‘Combat Zones’ Are More Complicated Than They Used to Be

The changes are also meant to reflect that conflicts aren’t limited to a very narrow area of operations.

In the past, eligibility for combat patches “was closely tied to clearly defined combat zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan,” according to Military.com. Yet, as has been seen in the ongoing Operation Epic Fury, the US is fighting an armed conflict with Iran, even though there are again no boots on the ground at present.

Since the start of combat operations, US military personnel have come under fire across the Middle East. Six US Army Reserve soldiers were killed in an Iranian drone strike on a command center in Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1, during the initial stages of the military campaign against Iran.

Their loss is a reminder that those serving across the region were still in an active warzone, even when the deployment isn’t during an official war.

About the Author: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu has contributed to dozens of newspapers, magazines and websites over a 30-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a contributing writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

© The National Interest